This is the all new Volvo V40 Cross Country, which has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the 2012 Paris motor show. The Cross Country is a ‘soft-roader’ version of the new Volvo V40, and is a rival for cars such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
It gets a range of tweaks for a more rugged look, including new bumpers and side sills with contrasting inserts. There’s a new front grille, rear ‘skid plate’ and new daytime running lights. Extra ground clearance is provided by a 4cm boost in ride height, while the Volvo V40 Cross Country gets bespoke alloys and black door mirrors and roof rails.
The biggest diffrence, however, it is available in all-wheel drive, the reason Volvlo named this Beast as V40 is beacuse “there is a clear distinction between the XC and Cross Country models.
The XC models all have a distinct crossover character with unique body-styles including an elevated seating position, while the Cross Country models are much closer to the regular models on which they’re based” says Lex Kerssemakers,Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Mgt. at Volvo Car Corporation, he also adds “When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest competitor versions. It features an attractive blend of sportiness and comfort.”
Powertrains-
The T5 version comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the T4 is available in combination with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. Powershift operates in principle as two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, a system that provides quick and fuel-saving gear changes.
Now the Volvo V40 Cross Country features class-leading driving dynamics with All Wheel Drive available on the T5 petrol turbo to enhance the all-road, all-weather capability, the engine variants are as below:
1-The five-cylinder 2.5-litre T5 engine has a power output of 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque, including 40 Nm overboost delivered during acceleration. It comes with automatic transmission and acceleration and does a 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.8 l/100 km.
2-The T5 is also available in a 2.0-litre version with 213 hp and 300 Nm of torque in certain markets.
3-There is also the T4, a 1.6-litre GTDi engine with 180 horsepower and maximum torque of 270 Nm, including 30 Nm overboost. Fuel consumption is 5.5 l/100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.
4-A 2.0-litre five-cylinder T4 engine with 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque which again is available in certain markets.
5-The D2 version of the Volvo V40 Cross Country comes with CO2 emissions at a class-leading 99 g/km, corresponding to fuel consumption of just 3.8 l/100 km. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 285 Nm of torque, including 15 Nm overboost. The D2 engine is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function.
6-In addition there is also this 2.0-litre D3 producing 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.
7-The five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel has been optimised for fuel-efficient driving pleasure. It delivers 177 hp and has torque of 400 Nm across a wide rpm range. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6 sec with manual), whereas the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.4 l/100 km (117 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.2 l/100 km (137 g/km) with the automatic transmission.
The other feature which comes with the new Volvo V40 Cross Country is that all versions comes standard with Start/Stop Function and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox, also the other highlight is, the Hill Descent Control, this feature is made available, so that altitude changing adventures become more comfortable for the driver, this feature can be seen on the T5 version with All Wheel Drive, which controls the car’s speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The Volvo V40 Cross Country also has a practical Hill Hold function that makes starting in a hill easy.
Exterior-
On the Exterior you get to see a honeycomb mesh grille, black and brown alloy wheels, black mirror caps and silver roof rails which contribute to the V40 Cross Country, along with that customers now can can choose special colors in more muted shades for the body and leather upholstery color should reflects the toughness of this new Beast!
“The V40 Cross Country retains its V40 stylishness by integrating the ruggedness in the design with meticulous attention to detail. It has en extrovert, expressive character that promises the open-minded adventurer a great time,” says Simon Lamarre, exterior design manager for the Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Interiors-
Inside, the Raw Copper exterior launch colour is matched up with contrasting stitching, and it can be emphasised even further by choosing the Copper Dawn centre stack inlay. The leather upholstery comes in five different versions, including the Espresso Brown accent colour.
“Our customers are individualists, so we want to offer them a lot of possibilities. All choices feature the same strong, emotional expression as the exterior of the car,” says Maria Uggla, colour & material design manager for the Volvo V40 Cross Country. She also adds: “The two-tone upholstery alternatives are the perfect choices for those who want a truly individual look. There is a generous range of individual possibilities. Dark elegance, Scandinavian bright, Sporty ruggedness, just choose the interior that fits your personality best”
The interior lighting is designed to give a “theatre lighting” feel. LED lamps are used to light up strategic areas. The driver can enjoy a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature, or choose between another seven mood themes. The reading lights of front and rear can be dimmed.
Now the all new Volvo V40 Cross Country offers thrill-seeking customers the right versatility to bring both friends and gear along on an open-ended adventure.The two-piece, 40/60, rear seat backrest can be easily folded. The load compartment can be equipped with a practical hanging load net.
A soft safety net is optional and a steel version is available as an accessory.The car can be equipped with a versatile “extra” floor in the load compartment. It creates several useful possibilities: like one can fold it up and get a grocery holder, then you can fold it away to get the best luggage volume, the front passenger seat can be folded forward to create even more space. In addition to the two permanent hooks, the extra floor integrates hooks for bags. Between the upper and lower floors there is a concealed storage area.
The accessory range includes a “Cargo Mat Organiser” that keeps smaller items secure and in order, as well as a “Load Organiser” that includes a load compartment divider, a load belt and two floor rails.
Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also features a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX, depending on the audio system specified.
The armrest can be adjusted to provide extra support for the driver. Two cup-holders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest.
The glove compartment includes space for two soft-drinks cans or bottles that are kept cool with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system.
Other convenient features include, Height adjustable headrests on the front seats and the centre rear seat, a sunglass compartment above the driver’s door, a penholder in the glove compartment, integrated cup holder in the rear seat, handy storage under the instrument panel, on the front seat cushions, on the front seat backrests and on the outside of the rear seats.
Another smart detail for the keen winter adventurer is the specially designed, drained storage unit for an ice scraper in both front door panels.
Details about the Pricing aren’t available as of now, but Volvo has confirmed that the V40 Cross Country won’t be offered in the U.S. Most sales are expected to be in China and Europe. Volvo is predicting 30 percent of V40 Cross Country sales will be in China while up to 50 percent will be in Europe.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country will be built in Volvo Car Corporation’s production plant in Ghent, Belgium. Production gets under way in November 2012.
